Roberto Diago's Cuba Pavilion at 61st Venice Biennale: 'Hombres Libres/Free Men'

Roberto Diago, a native of Havana born in 1971, showcases his work 'Hombres Libres/Free Men' at the 61st Venice Biennale. The exhibition, curated by Nelson Ramirez de Arellano Conde and commissioned by Daneisy García Roque, is hosted at Il Giardino Bianco – Art Space in Venice and will be on display until November 22, 2026. Through his sculptures crafted from recycled materials, Diago reflects on the liberation of his ancestors from slavery. He highlights that materials such as oxidized iron and wood embody memories, enhancing the audience's experience into a shared presence. Diago challenges the idea of freedom as a reward, insisting it is an inherent right, and underscores the necessity of empowering students to express their individuality in postcolonial Cuba, marked by disparities.